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SignalTrace Surveillance System Links Wireless Signals to Vehicles

At a glance

  • SignalTrace detects wireless signals such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  • The system can associate electronic fingerprints with vehicles.
  • Leonardo rebranded EOC Plus as SignalTrace in August 2026.

SignalTrace, a surveillance technology developed by Leonardo, is designed to identify and correlate wireless device signals with vehicle license plate data. The system is positioned to support investigations where traditional vehicle identification methods may be limited.

SignalTrace operates by passively detecting a range of publicly broadcast wireless signals, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID. The technology can function alongside automatic license plate readers or as a standalone system in various locations such as subways, shopping centers, and off-road areas.

The system creates electronic fingerprints by recognizing recurring groups of devices that travel together. These electronic fingerprints can then be linked with license plate data, enabling investigators to associate specific devices with particular vehicles even when license plates are not visible or have been altered.

Leonardo’s product documentation lists several types of detectable devices, such as mobile phones, wearable technology, RFID tags, vehicle components, pet microchips, and tire pressure sensors. This broad detection capability allows the system to capture a wide array of wireless emissions in monitored environments.

What the numbers show

  • Leonardo rebranded EOC Plus as SignalTrace in August 2026.
  • The product sheet was last updated on September 25, 2025.
  • SignalTrace can detect multiple device types, including phones, wearables, and RFID tags.

According to Leonardo, SignalTrace does not decrypt, access, or read the contents of personal devices. The company states that the technology does not retrieve stored information or intercept communications from detected devices.

Independent reports indicate that while SignalTrace does not directly identify individuals, repeated correlation of electronic signatures with license plate and location data can allow investigators to infer potential associations between devices and people. This process relies on the recurring presence of the same devices in proximity to specific vehicles over time.

The technology is marketed for use in environments where vehicle identification may be challenging, such as when license plates are obscured or removed. SignalTrace’s ability to link electronic fingerprints with vehicles is intended to provide investigative support in these circumstances.

Leonardo’s marketing materials highlight the flexibility of SignalTrace, noting its compatibility with existing license plate reader systems as well as its standalone capabilities. The system is promoted for use in a variety of operational settings to enhance situational awareness through electronic signature detection.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.